The Stark Varg shook the motocross world when it appeared in late 2021. With its carbon‑fiber‑sleeved 360‑volt motor producing up to 80 hp, and a 6.5 kWh battery that could deliver up to six hours of trail riding, it rewrote what an electric dirt bike could be. Combined with a 118 kg (260 lb) chassis and huge torque (275 Nm at the countershaft and ~938 Nm at the rear wheel), the original Varg felt like a glimpse of the future.
Fast‑forward to August 5, 2025: Stark Future unveiled the Varg MX 1.2, a mid‑generation refresh rather than a complete redesign. On paper the specs don’t look wildly different—power figures remain 60 hp for the standard and 80 hp for the Alpha model—but the updates address the original bike’s shortcomings. We took the MX 1.2 out for a proper ride to see how it compares to its predecessor and whether the incremental updates justify the hype.
Paper Specs vs. Real‑World Riding
The original Varg MX impressed riders with its instant torque and light feeling chassis, but it had a few quirks. The 6.5 kWh battery served as a stressed member of the frame, yet its range varied drastically with rider ability and terrain—Stark promised up to six hours of trail riding or a full motocross heat, but riders often drained it sooner on aggressive sessions. Charging to 80 % took around 1–2 hours depending on the outlet, and the chromoly steel frame could feel harsh on square‑edge bumps.
Throwing a leg over the MX 1.2 reveals subtle but meaningful differences. The 7.2 kWh battery not only increases capacity by about 10 %, and overall range by 20%, it plays a structural role—Stark says the larger pack improves frame stiffness and thermal performance. In practice, the bike stays hotter for longer laps without noticeable fade. The updated steel‑alloy frame is about 2 lb lighter and offers more compliant flex around the shock mount; the result is better feedback under braking and less deflection through chatter bumps. A lighter and more efficient single‑speed gearbox complements the powertrain improvements.
During our test, the MX 1.2 felt more planted entering corners than the old bike. The retuned KYB suspension with revised mid‑valve shim stacks offers better hold‑up without harshness. The bike still pulls like a freight train, but the power is easier to modulate. Riders can still dial power from 10–80 hp via the handlebar‑mounted phone, yet the updated settings and improved motor efficiency let you ride faster for longer.
What’s New?
Stark Future calls the MX 1.2 a “significant evolution,” and several updates prove that they listened to rider feedback:
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Bigger battery and more range: The new 7.2 kWh battery offers roughly 20 % more range than the 6.5 kWh unit on the original Varg. Stark now claims anywhere from 1.3–6 hours of riding depending on conditions.
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Lighter, stronger frame: A high‑strength steel‑alloy frame replaces the old chromoly unit. It’s roughly 0.9 kg (2 lb) lighter and provides refined flex around the shock mount.
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Reworked gearbox: The single‑speed gearbox has been revised to reduce weight and increase efficiency.
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Updated powertrain: Stark tweaked the motor for higher efficiency, which keeps heat down and allows harder riding for longer.
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Arkenstone smartphone upgrade: The old Varg used a rugged Android phone to display modes and battery status. The MX 1.2 introduces the Stark Arkenstone smartphone with better connectivity, processing, brightness and an improved clamping system. A new Lap Mode records GPS‑based lap times and real‑time course data.
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Tidier electrics: The wiring harness is now overmolded for better sealing, and the map switch cable runs internally through the handlebars. Stark also introduced a dual‑compound skid plate that’s fully biodegradable and a redesigned chain guide with 266 % more lateral stiffness.
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Suspension valving and options: KYB suspension remains but features retuned mid‑valve shim stacks. Buyers can choose spring rates based on their weight or even order an enduro‑oriented setup.
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Customizations and hardware: The MX 1.2 still offers 60 hp (standard) or 80 hp (Alpha) versions and adds options for Dunlop MX34 or Pirelli MX32 tyres, tubes or mousse inserts, foot‑lever or hand‑lever rear brakes, and three seat‑cover grip levels. There’s also a titanium hardware package that trims another 2 lb.
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Pricing: The price drops slightly; the MX 1.2 starts at $12,490 for the standard (60 hp) and $13,490 for the Alpha model (80 hp), though U.S. buyers must factor in a $1,000 tariff. The original Varg debuted around $12,900 (standard) and $13,900 (Alpha), so the new bike costs less than the original did when it first came out. Sadly the Tariff impact has changed the cost dramatically...
Upgrade Path
Like the original Varg, the MX 1.2 is highly tunable with a lot of aftermarket support! However this bike is so good you don't need to do anything to it in order to be happy from the get go. So sticking to the basics which would mainly be your touch points goes a long way!
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Handlebars: In our opinion handlebars are the most important upgrade you can make to any bike. This also comes down to rider preference. The OEM Handlebar is nice and has internally integrated wiring for protection but if you don't like the feeling of the bend we recommend looking into ODI Handlebars
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Foot pegs: The OEM Foot Pegs are extremely good but for those riders that prefer a slightly larger platform, check out the Warp 9 Elite Foot Peg
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Brake Levers: A crucial touch point that ASV has years of development towards figuring out! Check out the ASV Levers
- Grips: We LOVE Lock on grips for our gas bikes, however no company makes one for the Stark Varg throttle tube.... So we went with the next best thing and that's the ODI Universal Lock on grip which allows you to utilize a lock on grip for the Left hand and a traditional for the right.
These upgrades aren’t mandatory, but they are relatively inexpensive and make the bike feel like your own. Combined with the new battery and refined chassis, the MX 1.2 feels like a factory‑tuned machine right out of the crate.
Highlighted Specs – Old vs. New
| Feature | Original Varg MX | Varg MX 1.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 6.5 kWh “Flying V” pack 1–2 hr charge time | 7.2 kWh pack (+20 % range) ~2 hr Level 2 charge |
| Frame | Chromoly tubular steel; (<6 kg) | High‑strength steel alloy, ~2 lb lighter with refined flex |
| Power | 60 hp (standard) / 80 hp (Alpha) with 938 Nm rear wheel torque. | Same horse power outputs; increased torque at 973 Nm as well as improved motor efficiency for longer hard rides |
| Weight | Claimed 118 kg (260 lb) | Similar 260 lb curb weight but lighter frame and optional titanium hardware |
| Electronics | Basic Android phone for maps and ride modes | Arkenstone smartphone with Lap Mode, stronger clamp, brighter display and improved connectivity |
| Suspension | KYB fork and shock with 310 mm travel; three stock spring‑rate options | KYB suspension retuned with revised mid‑valve shims; selectable spring rates upon ordering |
| Brakes | Brembo Front / Formula Lever with Brembo Caliper Rear | Brembo Front / Brembo Rear |
| Price (U.S.) | ~$12,900 (standard) / $13,900 (Alpha) | $12,490 / $13,490 (+$1,000 U.S. tariff) |
Final Takeaway
The Stark Varg MX 1.2 isn’t a brand‑new machine; it’s a thoughtful update aimed at addressing real‑world feedback. From the rider’s perspective, the extra battery capacity, refined chassis and better electronics make a tangible difference. The bike still feels light and brutally fast, but the additional range, smoother power delivery and improved ergonomics inspire confidence over longer motos.
For owners of the original Varg, the MX 1.2 isn’t an essential upgrade unless you crave more range and the new Arkenstone features. However, riders shopping for their first high‑performance electric motocrosser should strongly consider the 1.2— It shows how quickly electric technology is evolving. As always, if you want to get one yourself call us at 1 (801) 449 - 1050, or stop by our Salt Lake City showroom and talk to our expert staff. We’re here to help you choose the right Stark for your needs and dial it in with the upgrades as needed!